From 12 to 16 October 2026, the SMART CIRCULAR PANAMA (SmarCiPan) consortium came together in Panama for the official project workshop week. RETech and its project partners (Rodiek & Co. GmbH, OpenEyz, cyclos GmbH) met with representatives from government, public administration, municipalities, industry, and the waste management sector to present the project, discuss the next implementation steps, and explore opportunities for a stronger circular economy in Panama.
Analysing Waste Management Systems and Identifying Opportunities
The workshop week focused on analysing existing waste management systems and initiatives, identifying opportunities for a stronger circular economy, and building relationships with key stakeholders through workshops and site visits.
The strong interest and ambition among local stakeholders stood out throughout the week. Open and constructive discussions provided valuable insights into local needs, expectations, and real-life challenges. These exchanges are essential to ensuring that the SmAC tool, an AI-powered decision-making system, is developed not only on the basis of research results, but also with a clear understanding of how stakeholders can use it in practice to support planning and investment decisions in waste management infrastructure.
The consortium was pleased to exchange ideas with representatives from MiAmbiente, Autoridad de Aseo, Marea Verde, Leafsinc, Banco General, Panexport, Panama Pacifico, and Aseo Capital, among others.
Panama’s Potential for a Stronger Circular Economy
Waste management is a pressing topic for Panama. While the country faces challenges related to geography, scale, and logistics, it also has a unique opportunity through its strategic position as an international trade hub. The Panama Canal connects the country to global value chains and international markets, creating opportunities to advance circular economy approaches and sustainable waste management solutions.
The vision behind SmarCiPan is for the SmAC tool to become a neutral platform that makes the impacts of decisions across the waste management value chain transparent, supports evidence-based planning, and connects stakeholders around a shared understanding of circular economy opportunities.
By providing a basis for informed planning and investment decisions, the tool aims to help stakeholders understand the implications of different approaches to waste management infrastructure and identify opportunities for more sustainable resource management.
The discussions throughout the workshop week reinforced both the challenges and the considerable potential for Panama to advance circular economy solutions and sustainable waste management in the region.
Strengthening International Cooperation
Despite the challenges caused by the earthquake on 9 October, the workshop week brought consortium partners and local stakeholders together for constructive discussions and knowledge exchange. Several partners, including colleagues from Cyclos, participated digitally, enabling the consortium to continue its exchange and discuss the next implementation steps.
The workshop week was supported by the German-Panamanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CAPA/AHK Panama), whose organisation and support contributed to the programme. Contributions from Sönke Petersen (OpenEyz), Christian Dinter (Rodiek & Co. GmbH), Katalin Schleuter and Nidhi Thakkar (cyclos GmbH) supported the exchange of expertise and perspectives within the consortium.
Looking Ahead
The workshop week marked an important step in the continued development of SmarCiPan. The insights gained through stakeholder discussions, workshops, and site visits will help ensure that the SmAC tool reflects local needs and real-life challenges while supporting evidence-based planning and investment decisions in waste management infrastructure.
Through international cooperation and close engagement with local stakeholders, the SmarCiPan consortium aims to contribute to a stronger circular economy and more sustainable waste management in Panama.
Panama has all the ingredients to become a frontrunner for circular economy and sustainable waste management solutions in the region.
- For more information: SMART CIRCULAR PANAMA: AI-powered EPR and technology adaptation for a forward-looking circular economy in Panama (SmarCiPan)
SMART CIRCULAR PANAMA (SmarCiPan) is a project funded by EXI.
